Q. My credit score was around 750. I had a credit card and found out I owed $200 and that I was late paying because I didn’t get the bill. I paid the balance as soon as I found out about it and had them close the account since I hardly ever use it. Next thing I know it’s on my credit report as delinquent 2 payments and shows I still owe $205. I confirmed with my bank that they received payment of $200. What can I do?

Would reopening the credit card bring my score back up? I’m trying to buy a house and I’m not sure how any of this will affect that. My score has dropped to 702 – it should be higher! I’ve always had good credit and never had an issue before. Why would they report me as delinquent twice when I paid them within a few weeks of finding out there was a problem? I feel it’s unfair I paid the entire balance in a timely manner.

A. I would first of all call the credit card company and find out why they are still showing a balance for you on your credit report. Once you get that straightened out, see if they will agree to report you as paid as agreed. They might be willing to do this because you took care of the situation right away.

If you are unsuccessful in getting them to report you as a perfect paying history over the phone, I suggest you write a good will letter. A good will letter basically reiterates that fact that you were a good customer and you are requesting the removal of negative information from your history due a misunderstanding or a mistake. In situations like yours, this letter sometimes works. We have an example of a goodwill letter here.

I don’t think reopening your account would buy you anything. They may not even agree to reopen the account since there was an overdue balance, despite the misunderstanding. Your best bet is a good will letter.

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